Magic

Basics

There are six basic types of magic: Arcane, Nature, Divine, Eldritch, Demon, and Fae. There are some spells that are universal, some that are limited to only some of the magic types, and some that are exclusive to a certain magic type. Most types of magic can normally only be used by beings connected directly to the source of that type of magic. However, the most powerful of these beings, (typically referred to as patrons) can sometimes bestow the ability to use magic upon those who do not have a natural connection. This is how most mages gain the ability to use magic.

Spellcasting

Magic is typically used by drawing an array of symbols on a surface. The more powerful the magic, the more complex the array. These arrays are usually circles, but can take any shape as long as the components can be read in the correct order and the array is enclosed. The simplest arrays often consist of one or two symbols inside a circle, and the more complex spells can be a multitude of shapes, lines, and symbols, in an array of several feet¹. In some cases, incantations are also used, typically when the spell needs to be given more complex instructions. These instructions can also be written into the array. Specific symbols correspond to specific effects. The order of the symbols denotes the order in which components of the spell are put into it, and the size of the symbols denotes the effect's prominence in the spell.²
Some beings have a natural connection to a type of magic. In those with weaker connections, it will manifest in the form of a specific magical ability, such as shapeshifting. Those with stronger connections are able to cast a variety of spells of the magic type they are connected to with no need for magical arrays, often with a natural proficiency for specific subtypes. However, they would need arrays (and a patron) in order to use a different type of magic. For instance, a Dryad can instinctively use Nature magic, and is more proficient with magic relating to plants and animals, but would need to use arrays (and have a patron) for Divine magic.
Mages often tend to focus more on altering something that already exists, like making a knife more effective, than on producing a standalone effect such as a fireball, although the latter is certainly possible. These enchantments can typically be dispelled by destroying the symbol used to cast it, but if this occurs during casting, the spell often will be miscast. Similarly, the spell can be miscast if the symbols are drawn incorrectly. The consequences of miscasting are usually predictable, but they can be somewhat unpredictable in more complex spells.
Spells are generally standardized. For instance, two mages applying a basic durability enchantment using the same type of magic would draw the same symbol. However, if two mages applied such an enchantment using different types of magic, they would use different symbols. Because of this, commercial spellbooks are common. These spellbooks typically only have the symbols of one type of magic in them. There are some books that document symbols from multiple types, but these books are more often used for academic study than by actual mages.

Limitations

All magic has a corrupting influence on the user if used excessively. This begins with the mage seeing more and more ways to use their magic, and beginning to rely upon it instead of more mundane means for even the simplest of tasks. At first, this might seem harmless, but as time goes on, their reliance on magic increases, as does their power. Over time, the mage will begin to become somewhat megalomaniacal, and will likely begin to show signs of psychopathy or sociopathy. At this point, they will see anyone who advises against going down this path as an enemy, and they may respond violently. After this point, one of two things will happen:

• The mage will continue as they have been. This can result in many outcomes, everything from the mage becoming a conqueror to the mage becoming a serial killer, depending on their previous personality. These are known as corrupted mages.
• The mage's mind will break completely, and they will essentially become feral. These are known as wild mages. Wild mages are typically excessively violent, especially towards sapient beings. In addition, wild mages no longer require arrays to cast their magic. Why this is the case remains the subject of much speculation, and there has been much research into triggering this effect without turning into a wild mage. None of this research has been successful as of yet.

Because of this, the amount of magic that can be used by a practitioner of Nature, Divine, Eldritch, Demon, or Fae magic is typically limited by how much their patron allows them to use. If they try to use more than that amount, they will find that they simply can't. Unlike these other types of magic, Arcane magic does not require a patron to use. Because of this, it is the easiest magic to gain access to, but also the most dangerous.
Beings with a strong connection to a type of magic are quite resistant to corruption but are not immune.

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<sup>1. It should be noted that if any shapes within an array are enclosed, they will be separate arrays, which will typically result in a miscast spell.
2. For instance, if you use a large wind symbol, then a small fire symbol, you will get hot wind. If you use a small fire symbol, then a large wind symbol, you will get a small fire that is put out by the wind. If you use a large fire symbol, then a small wind symbol, you will get fire propelled by the wind.</sup>